FAQ

What does UWODS do?

UWODS trains our members in competitive debate and facilitates members' competition at and success in tournaments as well as critical thinking, speaking, and analytical skills. We host two debate practices each week, open to all skill levels, and attend tournaments on a regional, national, and international level. On top of this, UWODS also organizes and hosts several annual tournaments including the Leger Central Canadian Championships, which determines the regional champion, and the internationally recognized Western IV. We also maintain a positive social environment through monthly social events and an active and inspiring club culture.

​​

How does competitive debate work?

That depends on the format. In our most popular format, British Parliamentary (BP), which is the world standard format, four teams of two are given a motion (topic) to debate. After 15 minutes of preparation, teams take turns giving seven minute speeches defending their assigned side and engaging with other teams. The other format that we compete in, Canadian Parliamentary (CP), is very similar but consists of only two teams of two and allows competitors to debate their own motion rather than an assigned one.

Why do debate?

Debate is a wonderful opportunity to increase your public speaking and critical thinking skills. It gives you a space where you are able to practice speaking in front of a small group of people who you are comfortable with, giving you an opportunity to become more confident and well-spoken in a safe environment. Debate also teaches you how to construct and deconstruct arguments in a short time span - building tight arguments looking for logical gaps or inconsistencies in your opponents' - in a way that improves your analytic thinking. Most importantly, it is a fun, exciting, and rewarding activity and a great chance to meet other passionate people.​​​

​

I have never debated, is this club for me?

Yes! As a club, we put a lot of emphasis on creating an environment where people of all skill levels can have fun and feel comfortable and supported while developing the skills they would like to improve through debate. We have a skilled and welcoming team of upper year debaters who can explain the activity, work with you, and give feedback along the way. Prior experience is not at all necessary, and some of our best debaters had no experience when they joined.

 

How do I get involved?

Join our Discord server here for updates, meeting times, and all our other club functions! You can also follow our Instagram, @westerndebate. Our practices are free for drop-ins, so if you are not sure if you want to commit, you can attend a few without paying the club fee.

How do I go to a tournament?

If you have paid your membership fee and attended a third of our practices, you are considered a member and can bid for tournaments. A committee made up of some of our executives decides who will be sent to each torunament based on unbiased criteria that aims to ensure everyone has a chance to attend. If the tournament is in person, we usually leave Friday morning and return by Sunday night. Transportation, accommodation, and tournament registration are paid in part by UWODS, with competitors usually pitching in about a third of the cost. For the World Universities Debating Championship (WUDC) and other international tournaments, our club has a specific qualification process to determine our contingent.